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The developers of Paragon Outlets led the media and selected guests on an hour-long "sneak peek" of the 120-store shopping complex scheduled to open Thursday, Nov. 8 at the southeast corner of I-580 and El Charro Road.

The $162 million outlet mall is on a 42-acre site, with another 17 acres suitable for further development, developers said.

Unlike most outlet malls, all f the stores and shopping corridors at Paragon are under roof, with large openings at the ends and skylights overhead to give the center an outdoor feeling, yet one safe from the elements.

Also, the Paragon complex is unique in having a large food court in its center with a wide choice of offerings, including Villa Italian Kitchen, Japan Cafe, Auntie Anne's, Subway and many more.

The eight-building retail center is owned by Paragon Outlet Partners, a retail real estate development firm headquartered in Baltimore. It also owns outlet, retail and entertainment centers in Texas and Florida.

Robert A. Brvenik and Nicholas C. King, Paragon Outlet partners, told those attending the preview that the Livermore location is within easy driving reach of hundreds of thousands of shoppers and has a far greater range of upscale stores to attract the more discriminating customers in the Tri-Valley.

He said the center plans a four-day customer celebration starting on opening day Nov. 8 with gifts, prizes and discounts available throughout the center.

Paragon's stores include Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Barney's New York Outlet, Cole Haan Company Store, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nike Factory Store, Off 5th Saks and Tommy Hilfiger.

Brvenik said more than 2,000 jobs will be available at Paragon Outlets. Hiring fairs are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 11 and again on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue in Livermore.

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